So we're always being told we need to drink more water as there are so many benefits to it and I, like a lot of you I'm sure, normally just ignore what I've been told as it's often too much effort during a busy day to get up and get a glass of water. During winter I want it even less because who wants cold water when there’s tea and coffee to help warm you up? But I decided it’s time I start making some changes and I did a lot of research on the benefits of drinking water and I must admit, I now make sure I drink it everyday. I hope the benefits I’ve listed below will help encourage some of you to swop the tea, coffee and soda for water instead :)
Before I get into the benefits, you need to know how much water to drink each day. Typically we are told we need 8 glasses, but really it varies from person to person. A smaller person would need less water than someone who is bigger so I've found this water requirement calculator which takes your weight into consideration and works out exactly how much you need each day.
Benefits:
1) Weight loss: Drinking about 500ml of water in the morning can boost your metabolism by up to 24%. Water is also a natural appetite suppressant so you'll eat less and it'll wash out the by-products of fat breakdown.
2) Absorption: Drinking water on an empty stomach helps to purify the colon, which makes it easier for nutrients to be absorbed into your system.
3) Healthier, younger looking skin: Water helps to get rid of toxins in your blood which leaves your skin clear and glowing. Water also helps to replenish skin tissues, moisturises skin and increase the elasticity in your skin so having properly hydrated skin will make you look younger (isn't that what every woman wants?!)
4) Better productivity: Because your brain consists of 90% water, drinking more helps you to think better, be more alert, and concentrate a lot better. Being hydrated can also improve your productivity at work and in doing other tasks.
5) Relieves Fatigue: The body uses water to help flush out toxins and waste products that the body doesn’t need. If your body lacks of water your heart and the rest of your vital organs will need to work a lot harder to pump out oxygenated blood to all cells which means your organs will be exhausted and so will you.
6) Can help get rid of headaches and migraines: Headaches, migraines and also back pain can sometimes be caused by dehydration so replenishing your body with water can help. Please note that there are many other reasons that contribute to these ailments, but dehydration is a common one.
7) Less Cramps, Sprains, and Injuries: Drinking water and being properly hyrdrated helps to keep your joints well lubricated which means you are less likely to get cramps, sprains or injure yourself.
There are many other benefits to drinking water, these are just the few that stood out to me and the main reasons I've increased my water intake and I must say, my skin does look better and I feel more healthy all round.
I also found these tips for healthier hair thanks to water so I thought I should share these with you.
1) Prevent hair damage from swimming: With Summer almost here, a lot of us will be spending the hot days by the pool or at the beach and this can really take a toll on your hair. Salty or chlorinated water can turn your hair into a dry, frizzy mess. Rinse your hair with cool water in the shower, under a hose or from a bottle before swimming. The strands will absorb their fill of the clean water and wont be able to soak up as much of the damaging water. After swimming put conditioner on your hair to protect it from the sun.
2) Shinier hair. After washing your hair, give it a final rinse with cool water. The chilly temperature of the water causes the cuticle layer on the strands of your hair to constrict so that it lies flatter, making it smother and more reflective.
